Mattress with a cavity and airway channel

ABSTRACT

A mattress comprises one or more cavities disposed within the mattress. A filter assembly is removably mounted within the cavity at a first distance from the mattress&#39; upper surface. One or more channels are disposed laterally within the mattress and connect the cavity to the mattress sidewall so that intake air is allowed in and exhaust air can escape. In one version an aroma assembly is also removably mounted within the cavity. Within the channels there may be disposed one-way valves to allow air to flow only in a first direction or a second opposite direction so that exhaust air is not mixed with intake air. A fitted sheet used in combination with the mattress may include a sleeve corresponding in size and location to the cavity, where the sleeve is made from an odorless washable material. The sleeve may be retained within the cavity by a plastic ring.

CLAIM OF PRIORITY

This patent application claims the benefit of priority, under 35 U.S.C. §119, of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/067,481, filed Feb. 28, 2008, entitled “Non Limiting Size State of the Art Mattress With at Least One (1) Functionally Shaped Cavity for Face or Back of Head.” This patent application also claims the benefit of priority, under 35 U.S.C. §119, of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/068,868, filed Mar. 10, 2008, entitled “Non Limiting Size State of the Art Mattress With at Least One (1) Functionally Shaped Cavity, Made in Varying Sizes and Shapes for the Face or Back of Head to Rest Without Mattress Interference.” The disclosures of each of the aforementioned priority documents are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention relates to mattresses, and in particular to mattresses with at least one cavity connected to a dedicated set of airway channels.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Beds and mattresses are an important part of each individual's everyday life. A mattress' main function is to provide the individual a comfortable platform for a restful sleep. The construction of the mattress is important to the comfort obtained by the individual during their sleep. To achieve maximum comfort the mattress' construction should accommodate the various positions that a person might assume while resting on the mattress. These various positions include lying on the back, the left or right side, and the abdomen.

For some individuals, sleeping on their abdomen is the position which provides the most ideal comfort. However, conventional mattresses prohibit a full face-down sleeping position. As readily perceived, an individual encounters difficulty in inhaling fresh air with their face down on the conventional mattress. In order overcome this limitation of sleeping face down on a conventional mattress some people bend their neck so that their head rests to either side. Other people crook their elbow and place their forearm under their head to create a slight pocket of air between their face and the mattress. These approaches do not provide full satisfaction and fail to offer optimum comfort during the resting period of the individual.

By bending their neck, the individual's spinal column is not completely straight, and not in a natural position. Crooking the elbow can result in muscle strain and spasm. Each alternative position can result in less than optimal blood circulation. Without optimal positioning and comfort, the individual will assume new positions. This repeated change of position reduces the quality of sleep preventing the individual from achieving sufficient rest. Individuals could suffer stiff and sore necks, back aches, numb arms, and strained elbows. Sleep disturbances bring physical and psychological problems, e.g., tiredness, daytime sleepiness, and depression. These problems can cause a lot of daytime distress and disability, and can even lead to work disability. Individuals that suffer from these sleep disturbances experience a poor quality of sleep night after night without any resolution.

Missing from the art is a mattress that facilitates and accommodates an individual's desire to recline on their abdomen in a full face-down position. The present invention can satisfy this and other needs.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with one aspect of the invention, a mattress comprises a mattress body having a first upper planar surface and a lower planar second surface connected by substantially perpendicular side walls. A vertical cavity is disposed within the mattress body extending from an aperture at the upper surface to the vicinity of the lower surface. A filter assembly is removably mounted transverse to the cavity vertical axis at a first distance from the upper surface. A first channel is disposed laterally within the mattress and has a distal end connected to a first opening in the cavity at a second distance from the upper surface which is greater than the first distance so as to be below the filter assembly, and a proximal end connected to an opening in the mattress side wall.

In one embodiment of the invention an aroma assembly is removably mounted within the cavity at a third distance from the upper surface which is greater than the second distance so as to be below the entrance of the first channel into the cavity.

In accordance with another embodiment of the invention, the mattress further comprises at least a second channel disposed laterally within the mattress and having a distal end connected to a second opening into the cavity at a distance between the first distance and the third distance, and a proximal end connected to a second opening in the mattress side wall. The two channels may enter the cavity at the same distance below the upper surface and at a position below the filter assembly.

In a still further embodiment of the invention a first valve is disposed within the first channel and is configured to allow air to flow only in a first direction; and a second valve is disposed within the second channel and is configured to allow air to flow only in a second direction, wherein the first direction and the second directions are opposing directions. As a result, air will follow through one channel into the cavity for the user to breath and the air exhaled by the user into the cavity will flow out of the cavity through the other channel.

In yet another aspect of the invention, a fitted sheet is used in combination with the mattress with the cavity. The sheet comprises a sleeve corresponding in size and location to the cavity. The sleeve is made of an odorless washable material. A plastic ring may be inserted within the sleeve when it is located within the cavity so as to retain the sleeve within the cavity.

These and other aspects, features, steps and advantages can be further appreciated from the accompanying figures and description of certain illustrative embodiments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES

The foregoing and other features of the present invention will be more readily apparent from the following detailed description and drawings of illustrative embodiments of the invention in which:

FIG. 1 depicts a mattress with a face cavity in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 depicts a plug for the face cavity of the embodiment depicted in FIG. 1;

FIGS. 3-5 depict various sleeping positions a user can assume while using embodiments of the invention;

FIG. 6 depicts a face cavity with nylon netting along a portion thereof and along a side wall of the mattress to allow air to enter the cavity in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 7 depicts an exploded view of a portion of the embodiment depicted in FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 depicts a mattress with air channels connected between openings in the side walls of the mattress and a face cavity in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 9 depicts an exploded view of a portion of the embodiment depicted in FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 depicts a mattress with multiple face cavities and corresponding air channels in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 10A depicts an enlarged portion of the embodiment depicted in FIG. 10;

FIG. 11 depicts a cross sectional view of a cavity in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 12 depicts an air mattress in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 13 depicts a plug for the face cavity of the embodiment depicted in FIG. 12;

FIG. 14 depicts a fitted sheet in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; and

FIG. 15 depicts a retaining ring for the fitted sheet depicted in FIG. 14.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS

By way of overview and introduction, presented and described are embodiments of a mattress with a face cavity. The face cavity, made in varying sizes and proportions provides a comfortable fit with a user's face, enables sleepers to sleep flat on their stomachs while maintaining a straight spine from the lower back right through to the top vertebrae of their neck. A sleeper's spine is also maintained in a straight line if the user sleeps on their back and rests their head in a face-down position at the aperture of the cavity.

FIG. 1 depicts a mattress 100 with a cavity 110. The mattress 100 can be of any size or construction. In typical use the mattress 100 has an upper surface 102, a lower horizontal planar surface 104 and vertical side walls 106 that connect the upper and lower surfaces. As is common, the interior of the mattress is constructed with cushioning materials, e.g., coil springs, foam, air, etc.

The cavity 110 can be a blind hole (i.e., it does not pass through the opposite or lower surface of the mattress), or it can completely traverse the entire thickness of the mattress. Embodiments where the mattress 100 is completely traversed by the cavity 110 may be reversible.

The immediate area of the cavity 110 and its surroundings can be lined with an odorless, washable material which can be made removable to facilitate cleaning of the cavity lining. The cavity 110 can be filled with a removable plug 112 as depicted in FIG. 2. The removable plug 112 allows for a smooth and continuous mattress surface to accommodate alternative sleeping positions.

The cavity 110 can be oval in cross section with the oval's long axis oriented to be parallel to a user's spinal column. In one embodiment, the oval has a width of 5″ and a length of 7″. However, the invention is not so limited, other sizes, shapes, and orientations of the cavity 110 are equally within the scope of the invention.

FIGS. 3-5 illustrate the positions a user can assume as they recline on mattress 100 due to the presence of cavity 110. As illustrated in FIG. 3 which shows the user from the side of the bed, a user is able to lie on mattress 100 in a completely prone position with their stomach down and their face nestled in a face-down position at the aperture of the cavity 110. FIG. 4 shows the same position for the user, except from the head of the bed. Should a user desire to sleep flat on their back, as shown in FIG. 5, the cavity 110 provides a receptacle for the back of their head so as to maintain a straight spine from their lumbar right through their cervical discs.

In FIGS. 6 and 7 the cavity 110 is shown with a mesh 114, e.g., nylon netting, in a lower portion which allows air communication with the interior of the mattress. In addition, a similar mesh 116 is provided along a portion of one or more of the side walls. If the interior of the mattress is not completely filled, e.g., as is a coil spring mattress, air can travel from outside the mattress through mesh 116 and the interior of the mattress, and can enter the cavity though mesh 114. Likewise, when the user breaths out, the air can travel from the cavity into the mattress and out through mesh 116. If the interior of the mattress is made of foam, air will not be able to travel through it and this method of providing and removing air from the cavity will not work.

FIG. 8 depicts a mattress 200 with a cavity 210 which has access to air through channels provided through the mattress, and thus would be suitable for a coil spring mattress or a foam mattress. As described previously, mattress 200 has one cavity 210 to accommodate a user's head. However, the invention is not so limited. As is readily understood, and depicted in FIG. 10, the mattress 200 can have more than one cavity 210 to simultaneously accommodate multiple users of the mattress 200. Depicted in FIG. 8 are multiple channels 220 which connect to a single cavity 210 through the mattress 200. In an alternative embodiment a single channel 220 can be connected to the cavity 210. Each cavity 210 and its respective channel(s) 220 are isolated from any other cavity 210 and its respective channel(s). By isolating the cavities and channels, the breaths of individual users are not comingled, thereby reducing the exposure of users to potentially infectious disease and unpleasant odors. Additionally, because the channels are isolated between the users, there is no conduit to expose one user to the breathing noises of another user.

In one embodiment, where the cavity 210 has two or more channels 220 connected, a single one-way valve 214 is disposed within each of the channels. The one-way valves 214A, 214B are placed in opposing configurations so that upon a user inhaling, only one path opens between the cavity 210 and the external air. Similarly, upon a user exhaling another path opens. In this manner fresh air and exhausted air are not commingled. In one embodiment, a set of one-way valves 214A, 214B can be configured by placing a simple flap on opposing sides of a flange or stop internal to their respective channels 220. As air is inhaled, one of the valves will move away from the internal stop, and the complimentary valve will be drawn towards its corresponding internal stop.

The channel 220 is disposed through the interior construction of the mattress 200 to provide the cavity 210 with an air source external of the mattress 200. The channel 220 can be made by boring out the internal material of the mattress, or it can be made by disposing tubing, piping, or hoses through the mattress' internal material. As is understood by a person of ordinary skill in the art, all materials need to be fireproof, fire retardant, and fire resistant in accordance with government and industry requirements. In one embodiment, channel 220 is made from a flexible material such as plastic or rubber. Additionally, the flexible material forming the channel 220 can have corrugations along its length to increase its flexibility. Forming the channel 220 from flexible and/or corrugated materials will reduce the likelihood of creating uncomfortable hard spots within the mattress 200. In one embodiment, channel 220 is made from odorless material so as not to offend a user's sense of smell.

FIG. 8 illustrates channel 220 leading to the side of the mattress 200 where it terminates at the mattress sidewalls 206A, 206B, for example. Other embodiments which provide the cavity 210 with access to an air source are equally within the scope of the invention. For example the channel can extend to through the lower surface of the mattress, but this is considered less desirable. The terminating end of the channel 220 can be provided with a vent cap 224.

FIG. 9 depicts an exploded view of the vent cap 224 which can include a screen 226 covering its opening so as to prevent dirt and insects from entering channel 220. The screen 226 can be made from a soft, pliable material—e.g., a mesh fabric. The screen 226 is disposed over the opening at a proximal end of the vent cap 224 and extends towards a distal end of the vent cap. A clamp mechanism 228 secures the screen 226 to the vent cap 224 or to the channel 220 itself. The clamp mechanism 228 can be a metallic retaining ring, an elastic O-ring, a vinyl tie, a hose claim, or any other suitable mechanism of suitable material. The clamp mechanism can engage a groove (not shown) scored into the surface of the vent cap 224 for greater security of the screen 226. The distal end of the vent cap 224 can be removably connected to channel 220 by engagement of threaded sections, bayonet mounts, or other mechanical mechanisms (not shown). Removal of the vent cap 224 can facilitate the replacement of the screen 226. Further, disposed within the vent cap 224 can be filtration material capable of removing particulate and/or biological contaminant from the air as it enters channel 220. This material could also be made to reduce dust, pollen, tobacco smoke and other irritants, thus providing more comfort to the user.

FIG. 10 illustrates a mattress with multiple face cavities 210 a, 210 b. FIG. 10A depicts an enlarged portion of FIG. 10 showing the features of the face cavities 210 a, 210 b. Each of the face cavities has two channels 220A, 220B leading to a side of the mattress 200 where it terminates at a mattress sidewalls 206A, 206B, for example. As described above, complimentary one-way valves 214A, 214B are disposed within the channels so as to prevent the re-inhalation of previously exhaled air.

To maintain a circulation of fresh air in the channel 220, the diameter of the channel is made of sufficient size, and the length of the channel from the cavity 210 to the vent cap 224 is made sufficiently short so that exhaled breath reaches the outside of the mattress, and is not re-inhaled by the user. The channel 220 has enough volume to provide an air flow that accommodates the breathing needs of the user. In one embodiment, the cross-sectional diameter of the channel 220 is 1½×3.0 inches.

FIG. 11 depicts a partial cross sectional view of a cavity 310 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. The cavity 310 depicted in FIG. 11 is a blind hole, however, embodiments that completely traverse the mattress 300 are within the contemplation of the invention. A portion of cavity 310 where it meets the upper surface 302 of the mattress 300 is slightly concave to better conform to the shape of a user's head. In addition, the side wall 330 of the cavity may be made, in part or whole, with an accordion shape to prevent the cavity from presenting a hard region on the upper surface of the mattress.

A filter assembly 330 is disposed laterally across the cavity at a location below the concave surface. The filter 330 is removably mounted to the sidewalls of the cavity by recesses 350 located in the cavity sidewall which mate with corresponding projections 352 along the outer perimeter of the filter 330. Alternative approaches for removably mounting the filter 330 include mating screw threads and snap-fit mechanisms. At the bottom of the cavity 310 an aroma assembly 340 is removably mounted. The aroma assembly can introduce soothing aromas to enhance the user's rest, as well as act to adjust the humidity content of the air presented to the user for their personal comfort. An independent humidifying system (lacking aroma component can also be mounted within the cavity. Medicinal formulations can be introduced into the cavity's air through either the aroma assembly, the humidifying system, or the filter assembly. For embodiments of the cavity 310 that traverse the entire mattress, a plug 315 can be inserted to close off one end of the cavity 310.

An air channel 320 enters the cavity 310 at a point between where the filter assembly 340 and the aroma assembly 350 are mounted. As will be readily understood, for mattresses 300 which are reversible, the locations of the filter assembly 340 and the aroma assembly 350 are reversed.

FIG. 12 illustrates an embodiment of the invention where the mattress 400 is an air mattress that has a cavity 410 and an air plug 408. Channels (not shown) within the mattress 400 connect the cavity 410 to air sources external to the mattress, and include the features of filters, aroma therapy inserts, and end caps as described above. FIG. 13 depicts an inflatable plug 412 with an air plug 414. Insertion of the inflatable plug 412 into the cavity 410 provides the mattress 400 with a smooth and continuous surface to accommodate alternative sleeping positions.

FIG. 14 depicts a mattress 500 with a cavity 510 in combination with a fitted sheet 520 that has a sleeve 512 that lines cavity 510. The sleeve is retained in place by a retaining ring 522 (FIG. 15) which presses the sleeve against the interior of the cavity 510. The retaining ring has holes that correspond in position to the channel locations within the mattress cavity so that the retaining ring 522 does not impede a user's breathing. Alternatively, the retaining ring 522 can have a series of holes (about ⅛ inch diameter) spaced apart by about ⅜ inch. As would be understood by a person of skill in the art, the invention is not so limited and other alternative mesh configurations are contemplated as well. The sleeve itself can be made of a washable material. The sleeve 512 may also have a mesh section (e.g., nylon netting), which corresponds in position with the channels so as to allow air to travel to and from the cavity through the channels, or a coil-spring mattress interior. The sleeve also can be made entirely from the mesh material.

A thin mattress in accordance with the embodiments described above, can be made to lie over a conventional mattress so as to provide a user with the benefits of the present invention is also within the scope of the invention.

Thus, while there have been shown, described, and pointed out fundamental novel features of the invention as applied to several embodiments, it will be understood that various omissions, substitutions, and changes in the form and details of the illustrated embodiments, and in their operation, may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Substitutions of elements from one embodiment to another are also fully intended and contemplated. The invention is defined solely with regard to the claims appended hereto, and equivalents of the recitations therein. 

1. A mattress comprising: a mattress body having a first surface and a second surface substantially parallel to each other and connected by substantially perpendicular sidewalls; a cavity disposed within the mattress body and extending from the first surface toward the second surface; a first aperture defined where the cavity intersects the first surface; a filter assembly removably mounted in the cavity transverse to the extent of the cavity at a first distance from the first surface; and a first channel disposed laterally within the mattress, wherein the first channel has a distal end and a proximal end, said distal end being connected to a first opening in the cavity at a second distance from the first surface which is greater than the first distance, and the proximal end being connected to an opening in the sidewall of the mattress.
 2. The mattress according to claim 1, wherein an aroma assembly is removably mounted within the cavity at a third distance from the first surface which is greater than the second distance.
 3. The mattress according to claim 1, wherein the cavity extends completely from the first surface to the second surface and the mattress is reversible, and further comprises: a second aperture defined where the cavity intersects the second surface; and wherein the filter assembly is removably mounted transverse to the cavity at the third distance, and the aroma assembly is removably mounted within the cavity at the first distance.
 4. The mattress according to claim 1, further comprising: at least a second channel, having a distal and a proximal end, disposed laterally within the mattress, said second channel distal end being connected to a second opening in the cavity at a distance between the first distance and the third distance, and the second channel proximal end being connected to the a second opening in the mattress sidewall; a first valve disposed within the first channel and configured to allow air to flow in a first direction; and a second valve disposed within the second channel and configured to allow air to flow in a second direction, wherein the first direction and the second directions are opposing directions.
 5. The mattress according to claim 1, further comprising: a second cavity disposed within the mattress body; a respective channel disposed within the mattress body, the respective channel having a distal end connected to the second cavity and a proximal end connected to the sidewall; and the second cavity having disposed therein a respective filter assembly.
 5. The mattress according to claim 4, further comprising a respective aroma assembly in said second cavity.
 6. The mattress according to claim 4, further comprising: additional respective channels connected to the second cavity; and single respective valves disposed within each of the respective channels, wherein each respective valve is configured to allow air to flow only in one of the first direction and the second direction.
 7. The mattress according to claim 1, wherein an area adjacent the first aperture and a portion of the cavity abutting the first aperture are lined with an odorless, washable removable material.
 8. The mattress according to claim 1, wherein the cavity has an oval cross-sectional shape transverse to the extent of the cavity.
 9. The mattress according to claim 1, wherein the channel is formed from flexible, odorless material.
 10. The mattress according to claim 5, wherein an insertable plug is disposed within one of the first aperture and the second aperture.
 11. The mattress according to claim 1, wherein the mattress body is an inflatable air mattress.
 12. In combination with the mattress of claim 1, a fitted sheet comprising: a sleeve corresponding in size and location to the cavity, the sleeve being made of an odorless washable material; and a plastic ring insertable within the sleeve to retain the sleeve within the cavity. 